Not long ago, Hardik Pandya basked in national acclaim following his pivotal role in India’s historic triumph at the T20 World Cup last month. His standout performances with bat and ball were instrumental as India ended an 11-year drought for an ICC trophy. Pandya’s stellar display had positioned him as a strong contender to assume the mantle of India’s T20I captaincy, especially after serving as vice-captain during the tournament.
However, the selectors and team management opted against appointing him as the new captain. The BCCI, in their announcement on Thursday (July 18), revealed Suryakumar Yadav as the newly appointed T20I captain for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, marking a shift in leadership strategy.
In a big call, the selectors also decided to hand over the vice-captaincy to Shubman Gill even though Hardik Pandya was named in the T20I squad. The call has made it pretty clear that although the star allrounder is an important member of the team, the team management does not see him as a key member of the leadership group.
Hardik Pandya’s ODI future uncertain:
According to a Hindustan Times report, Hardik Pandya’s position in India’s ODI squad is now uncertain. The all-rounder’s choice to opt out of the Sri Lanka ODIs on a voluntary break has reportedly not been well-received by the selection panel and team management. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly communicated to Pandya that he must participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Baroda to demonstrate his bowling fitness and secure his place in the squad.
The report stated that head coach Gautam Gambhir talked to Pandya and told him that he has to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Baroda to prove his bowling fitness.
“Hardik was also reminded by Gambhir on the call, that he was looking forward to seeing him bowl his full quota in ODIs,” a BCCI official told the news outlet.
Despite Hardik Pandya’s strong performances in T20 cricket, concerns persist over his fitness. Since the ODI World Cup last year, he has not featured in any ODIs, prompting selectors and coach Gautam Gambhir to insist that he must demonstrate his fitness in domestic cricket to be considered for selection.
India’s ODI schedule for the remainder of the year includes no fixtures after the Sri Lanka tour. Their next ODI series is against England in January, followed by participation in the Champions Trophy scheduled for February-March. This timeline leaves Pandya with no alternative but to prove his readiness through performances in domestic competitions if he hopes to earn a recall to the ODI squad.
